2027 Bayshore Marathon - May 29

2027 Bayshore Marathon - May 29 Countdown

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Race Information

Race2027 Bayshore Marathon - May 29
CityTraverse City
Date2027-05-29 at 07:15
Field Size~1,618 runners
Time Limit6 hours
Cutoff pace8:32/km
TimezoneAmerica/Detroit
Official SiteTraverse City Track Club

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Race Day Weather

Average Temperature12.8°C / 55°F
Humidity81%
Wind21.7 km/h
Rain Chance38%
Typical ConditionsCool, fresh late-May northern Michigan morning by the bay — temperatures around 56 degrees F (13 degrees C) on average at the 7:15 a.m. start, climbing toward a high near 69 degrees F (20 degrees C) by midday

What to Prepare: Memorial Day weekend on Grand Traverse Bay usually delivers near-ideal racing weather — a crisp morning in the low-to-mid 50s degrees F (around 13 degrees C) warming through the run, with a lake breeze off the bay. The exposed waterfront miles can get a headwind on the return leg, so dress to start a little cold and shed layers. Throwaway gloves and an old long-sleeve are smart at the start line, and watch the forecast for a passing spring shower.

Based on historical averages for race week. Use our Weather Score Calculator and What to Wear Guide for personalized advice.

Wind Impact on Race Day

Wind at 21.7 km/h can affect your marathon pace by 5-15 seconds per kilometer. Headwinds slow you down exponentially — a 20 km/h wind costs more than twice a 10 km/h wind.

Calculate your wind-adjusted pace →

Race-Week Climate

Based on 20 years of race-week weather (2005-2024), MERRA-2 reanalysis

Cooler Typical Warmer
Temperature 8.1°C 12.5°C 17.6°C
Dew point 3.8°C 9.1°C 14.7°C
Wet-day chance: 38% Runnability: 70/100

Data: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), NASA Langley Research Center

Course Profile

Course TypeOut-and-back
Elevation Gain113m
TerrainRoad (100 percent paved waterfront and residential streets, mostly flat)
ProfileBayshore is the rare big-name marathon that is genuinely built for a fast time. The course starts on the grounds of Northwestern Michigan College, runs about a mile through quiet residential streets, then settles onto Center Road and follows the waterfront along the East Arm of Grand Traverse Bay before turning around and retracing the same route back to the finish. It is a flat, fast, 100 percent paved out-and-back that is shaded for much of its length, with only about +113 m (371 ft) of total gain and an equal amount of loss — the single notable feature is a short 225-foot climb in the first half mile out of the start, after which the profile flattens out for good. The bay sits to your shoulder for most of the day, which makes for a scenic but exposed run: a tailwind out can become a headwind home, or vice versa. USATF-certified through 2032 (course MI22016MN), it is both a Boston qualifier and a World Marathon Major qualifier, and has been ranked among the top-50 BQ races in the country — a reputation that draws runners chasing a first marathon and a fast Boston time alike. The full marathon is capped at 2,000 runners, so it keeps a smaller, friendlier feel than big-city races.
Boston QualifierYes — Check your BQ time

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Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 2027 Bayshore Marathon and what time does it start?

The Bayshore Marathon is always held on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, which puts the 2027 edition on Saturday, May 29, 2027 in Traverse City, Michigan. The full marathon starts at 7:15 a.m. Eastern Time on the grounds of Northwestern Michigan College. Registration for 2027 opens on December 1, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. EST through RunSignup, and the race regularly sells out, so plan to sign up early.

Is the Bayshore Marathon course flat and fast?

Yes. Bayshore is one of the flattest big marathons in the Midwest — a flat, fast, 100 percent paved out-and-back with only about +113 m (371 ft) of total climbing, nearly all of it in a short rise in the first half mile. After that the course follows the shoreline of Grand Traverse Bay with almost no elevation change, which is why it draws so many runners chasing a personal best or a Boston time. The main variable is wind off the bay, not hills.

Is the Bayshore Marathon a Boston qualifier?

Yes. The course is USATF-certified (MI22016MN, valid through 2032) and is both a Boston qualifier and a World Marathon Major qualifier. It has been recognized as one of the top-50 BQ races in the United States thanks to its flat, fast profile. Check the time you need on the Boston qualifying calculator, then build a target with the race time predictor.

What is the time limit for the Bayshore Marathon?

The full marathon has a 6-hour time limit. The finish line closes at 1:15 p.m., six hours after the 7:15 a.m. start, and runners who finish after that may not receive an official time. That works out to roughly a 13:44 per mile (8:32 per km) pace, which makes Bayshore walker-friendly for most finishers while still being a serious course for fast runners.

How do I register for the Bayshore Marathon?

Registration is handled online through RunSignup and there is no lottery — entry is first-come, first-served until the cap is reached. Full-marathon pricing is tiered and rises as race day approaches (recent entry fees ran roughly $119 to $149), so registering early saves money. The full marathon, half marathon, 10K and kids fun run are all part of the same Memorial Day weekend event.

How big is the Bayshore Marathon and is it crowded?

The full marathon is capped at 2,000 runners and typically draws around 1,600 to 1,700 finishers (about 1,618 in 2025 and 1,732 in 2026). That keeps it noticeably smaller and friendlier than big-city marathons — you get a real race atmosphere and bay scenery without the congestion. Because it is an out-and-back, you also pass every other runner on the course at some point.

What is the weather like for the Bayshore Marathon in late May?

Late May on Grand Traverse Bay usually brings cool, comfortable racing conditions: an average mean around 56 degrees F (13 degrees C), a typical morning low near 43 degrees F (6 degrees C) and a high around 69 degrees F (20 degrees C). The waterfront miles are exposed, so a lake breeze can become a headwind on the way back. Dress to start slightly cold, and use the pace calculator to lock in even splits before race day.

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